A Humanitarian Vision for Development and Social Solidarity
United Arab Emirates: A Leader in Philanthropy and Sustainable Development
19 March 2025, Dubai, UAE – Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, urges individuals to contribute more to charitable work for the benefit of humanity and the betterment of society. He highlights that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has declared 2025 as the “Year of the Community.” This initiative embodies the values of solidarity and social cohesion, which are fundamental pillars of the UAE’s national vision.
For decades, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has been a symbol of humanitarian generosity and impactful charitable initiatives. His personal donations have exceeded AED 2 billion, directed towards a broad spectrum of philanthropic programs both within the UAE and internationally. His contributions go beyond financial aid, encompassing investments in community development, fostering interfaith dialogue, supporting education and scientific research, enhancing healthcare services, and implementing large-scale projects aimed at poverty alleviation and improving living conditions for the most vulnerable communities.
In this regard, Abdul Salam Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of Local Affairs & Community Relations at Al Habtoor Group, praised Al Habtoor’s pioneering role in philanthropy, stating: “Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor’s commitment to philanthropy is not merely about financial contributions; it is a sustainable vision that seeks to create real change in the lives of individuals and communities. His humanitarian initiatives, both within the UAE and beyond, reflect the spirit of generosity that he was raised on and reinforce the noble values that define our nation. He is a role model in corporate social responsibility and an inspiration for the private sector in advancing sustainable development.”
Supporting National Institutions and Government Initiatives
- Sandooq Al Watan – Al Habtoor donated AED 10 million to support the fund’s initiatives aimed at fostering national development and investment in human capital.
- His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Initiatives – A contribution of AED 10 million to support various social and charitable programs.
- UAE Red Crescent – Regular donations exceeding tens of millions of dirhams to aid the most vulnerable groups.
- Support for Young Emirati Couples – Al Habtoor launched an initiative to support young Emiratis preparing for marriage, contributing to the establishment of 100 new families annually.
- Rehabilitation for Storm and Flood Victims – 300 hotel rooms were allocated to shelter families affected by adverse weather conditions in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development.
- May 2024 Weather Disaster Relief Initiative – The initiative included hosting 50 Emirati families in Al Habtoor hotels, rehabilitating 100 homes, maintaining 50 homes, and providing 20 new vehicles with insurance and registration to affected citizens.
- Support for the UAE Armed Forces and Police – Donated 100 Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs to Dubai Police.
- Exclusive Discounts for Government and Armed Forces Employees – Special benefits under the Fazaa, Esaad, Thukhur, and Sanad initiatives, exceeding tens of millions of dirhams annually.
Education and Scientific Research
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Assistive Technology Resource Center at Zayed University – Supporting the personal and professional development of students of determination.
- Support for Al Imam Malik College – Contributions toward enhancing Islamic education and research.
- University of Sharjah – Investment in the development of higher education programs.
- Emirates Airline Festival of Literature – Ongoing support for literary and cultural initiatives.
- Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research – Continuous funding to advance health research.
- Scholarships for Students – Al Habtoor has provided hundreds of scholarships for students struggling financially in schools and universities.
- Scholarship Program for Afghan Female Students – Providing 100 scholarships for Afghan students to continue their education in UAE universities, including housing and health insurance.
Cultural and Academic Awards Sponsored by Al Habtoor
- Osha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi Award – Recognizing excellence in Arabic poetry and literature.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Achievement Award – Honouring individuals with outstanding contributions to society.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Quran & Sunnah Award – Promoting Islamic knowledge and scholarship.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Arabic Language Award – Encouraging proficiency and excellence in Arabic studies.
- “Open Talk” with Khalaf Al Habtoor – A platform for intellectual discussions on key social and economic issues.
- Publication of “The Fiqh Compendium in Maliki Jurisprudence” – A significant contribution to Islamic legal literature.
- Scholarships for Students at Emirates International School – Support for students in public and private schools and universities.
Healthcare and Medical Support
- Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital – An AED 10 million donation to enhance medical services for children.
- Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Medical Simulation Center – The region’s first comprehensive medical simulation training facility, located in Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City.
- COVID-19 Response Initiatives
· 50 fully equipped ambulances donated at a cost of AED 24 million to support emergency response services.
· A fully equipped medical quarantine facility with over 100 rooms, provided to the Dubai Health Authority to aid in COVID-19 containment efforts.
· 4,000 dialysis sessions annually – AED 3 million allocated to support kidney patients in need.
· Medical Aid for Low-Income Patients – Providing free medical treatment for underprivileged individuals.
Endowments and Charitable Contributions
- Endowment for Low-Income Families – AED 19 million allocated in collaboration with the Endowments and Minors’ Affairs Foundation in Al Quoz to support underprivileged families.
- Charitable Endowment Building – AED 8 million dedicated to a waqf property in Al Badaa, established in partnership with the Endowments and Minors’ Affairs Foundation.
- “Bread for All” Initiative – Support for 10 smart bread dispensers programmed to provide free, fresh bread to low-income workers and those in need.
- Charitable Endowment in Honor of His Parents – A AED 11 million endowment on a plot of land within Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s waqf properties in Ajman, dedicated to supporting charitable causes.
Additionally, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has contributed over AED 300 million in direct support to underprivileged families in the UAE, including:
- Monthly financial aid and Al Meer grocery cards during Ramadan.
- Renovation, furnishing, and restoration of homes for low-income families.
- Debt relief assistance for financially distressed individuals.
Religious and Community Development
- Reconstruction and Management of Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre – Al Habtoor funded the complete restoration and ongoing management of this landmark mosque.
- Hosting Religious Programs and Charitable Initiatives – Sponsoring community events, iftar meals for fasting individuals, and welcoming renowned Quran reciters from across the Islamic world for Taraweeh and Isha prayers during Ramadan.
Sports and Athletic Sponsorships
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has been a steadfast supporter of sports, recognising their role in promoting health, discipline, and community engagement. His contributions span multiple disciplines, supporting both local and international sporting events.
- Zayed Charity Marathon (New York & Egypt) – Continuous sponsorship since 2016, promoting awareness and fundraising for kidney disease research.
- Al Habtoor Women’s Tennis Challenge – A premier international tournament that has been instrumental in the development of women’s tennis in the region.
- Polo Sponsorship – Ongoing support for polo events and tournaments, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key player in the global equestrian sports scene.
- Al Ain Sports Club Sponsorship – Supporting the club’s sports season and helping enhance its professional training programs.
- UAE National Basketball Team & Federation Sponsorship – Backing the UAE Basketball Federation for two consecutive seasons, ensuring continued growth and development of the sport within the country.
Global Humanitarian Contributions
Palestine
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has been a long-time supporter of Palestinian humanitarian causes, providing essential aid to refugees, funding infrastructure projects, and contributing to peace-building initiatives.
- Support for UNRWA – Providing food and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees in Syria and the West Bank, in addition to employing 200 Palestinian workers in the West Bank. This contribution was valued at AED 1 million.
- “Pathways to Peace” Initiative – Supporting peace-building efforts in collaboration with The Carter Center.
- Emergency Medical Support for Gaza – Donated fully equipped ambulances to bolster emergency healthcare services in Gaza.
- 2010 “Aghithouhom” Campaign – Donated over 100 service vehicles to aid families affected by the conflict in the West Bank and Gaza. Additionally, Al Habtoor organized a charity polo tournament between the UAE and Palestine to raise funds for relief efforts.
- AED 20 million to the Palestinian Cooperation Foundation – Supporting Palestinian communities and meeting essential humanitarian needs.
Lebanon
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has been a dedicated supporter of Lebanon, providing significant aid across multiple sectors, including healthcare, housing, and food security. His total contributions to Lebanon exceed AED 73 million (USD 20 million) in recent years.
- Healthcare Support – Following the Beirut Port Explosion in 2020, Al Habtoor donated AED 7.5 million (USD 2 million) to support hospitals severely affected by the disaster, including Al Makassed Hospital and Rafic Hariri University Hospital.
- Rebuilding Homes – Funded the renovation of 300 homes in Ashrafieh and surrounding areas, restoring shelter to affected families.
- Food and Winter Relief Campaigns – More than 50,000 food parcels and blankets were distributed to vulnerable Lebanese families across 100 villages, regardless of religion or sect.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Hospital in Akkar – With an investment of AED 100 million, this hospital serves 22 villages in northern Lebanon, providing advanced medical services in a previously underserved area.
- Nationwide Food Assistance Program – Launched large-scale food distribution campaigns, delivering over AED 100 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanese citizens, Syrian refugees, and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
Egypt
Al Habtoor’s contributions to Egypt span education, sports, and national development.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Stadium at the American University in Cairo – AED 18.5 million investment to establish a world-class sports facility.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Scholarship at AUC – AED 24 million fund providing full scholarships for 10 outstanding students from outside Cairo to study at the American University in Cairo.
- Al Azhar University Scholarships – Covering tuition for 5,000 students in need.
- Contribution to the “Tahya Misr” Fund – AED 10 million donation to support Egypt’s national development initiatives.
- Support for the Egyptian Army – Donated 100 pickup trucks to enhance military logistical operations.
- Restoration of the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University – Contributing to the rehabilitation and modernization of academic infrastructure.
United States
Al Habtoor has also extended his philanthropy to the United States, supporting education, child welfare, and medical research.
- Khalaf Al Habtoor Leadership Center at Illinois College – AED 10 million endowment for leadership development programs.
- Dr. Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Children’s Fund (Illinois) – AED 1.8 million to combat child hunger, providing food to underprivileged children.
- Support for Kidney Disease Research – Through his sponsorship of the Zayed Charity Marathon, raising funds for kidney research and treatment.
- Annual Grant to the Carter Center’s Middle East Program – Over AED 10 million in support of humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating suffering in Palestine.
- “Pathways to Peace” Initiative – Launched in collaboration with The Carter Center, fostering peace-building efforts between Palestinians and Israelis.
Other International Contributions
- Emergency Relief for Syrian Refugees – AED 10 million donation to the UAE Red Crescent’s “Help Philippines” campaign, aimed at alleviating the suffering of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon.
- Mosque Construction and Restoration – Financing the construction and operation of mosques in Jordan, Albania, and Kosovo, supporting religious and community development initiatives.
In October 2016, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor pledged AED 100 million of his personal wealth as part of an initiative to alleviate poverty. He urged other philanthropists to contribute similar amounts, stating: “In the 21st century, I cannot comprehend how people in certain parts of the world continue to suffer from severe humanitarian crises and extreme hunger. They are deprived of basic necessities—this is unacceptable.”
In a previous social media post, Al Habtoor called on individuals to contribute within their means, saying: “I urge everyone to help those less fortunate according to their capabilities. The size of the donation does not matter—every dirham can make a difference. In the 21st century, we cannot accept a world where people suffer from hunger and deprivation.”
With this profound humanitarian vision, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor continues his philanthropic journey, affirming that giving is not merely a commitment but a moral responsibility towards society and humanity as a whole.
